Vehicle Class:
Mid-size Crossover SUV / Station Wagon
Target Audience:
Families, outdoor enthusiasts, those seeking AWD capability and practicality
Key Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5 (though the Outback is often positioned slightly larger/more wagon-like)
Unique Selling Proposition:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), wagon-like practicality with SUV ground clearance, boxer engine configuration
Standard AWD:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across all trims
Ground Clearance:
Elevated ground clearance for improved off-road and adverse weather capability
Boxer Engine:
Horizontally-opposed (boxer) engine design for a lower center of gravity
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, turbocharging (if applicable), engine management (ECU, sensors, actuators)
Transmission Systems:
Manual Transmission (MT) service, Automatic Transmission (AT) service, transmission control systems, drivetrain components (driveshafts, CV joints, differentials)
Brakes Systems:
Brake system diagnosis, hydraulic components (master cylinder, lines, calipers, wheel cylinders), power assist (booster), ABS, EBD, Traction Control System (TCS)
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system diagnosis, power steering, wheel alignment
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, interior/exterior controls, power accessories, body control module (BCM), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor), refrigerant systems
Body Chassis:
Body structural repairs, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, bumpers, chassis components
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid level checks, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, belt replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuilding, starter motor replacement, alternator replacement, exhaust system repair
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, fault code retrieval and interpretation (OBD-II), diagnostic flowcharts
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities, tolerances, diagnostic values, electrical resistance values
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, component testing, and troubleshooting trees
Special Tool Requirements:
Identification of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures
Transmission Type 2.5I:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (MT)
Transmission Type 2.5I And 3.6R:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (AT) with SI-DRIVE
Transmission Type 3.6R Only:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (AT) with SI-DRIVE and Paddle Shifters
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Variable torque distribution
AWD System Manual:
Viscous coupling limited-slip center differential
AWD System Automatic:
Electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch (Active AWD)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru GEAR OIL API GL-5 SAE 75W-90
Length:
Approx. 189.2 inches (4805 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
Approx. 65.7 inches (1670 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 107.1 inches (2720 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.1 inches (206 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 101.7 cubic feet (2880 Liters)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approx. 34.5 cubic feet (977 Liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 70.9 cubic feet (2008 Liters)
Curb Weight 2.5I Mt:
Approx. 3,400 lbs (1542 kg)
Curb Weight 2.5I At:
Approx. 3,450 lbs (1565 kg)
Curb Weight 3.6R At:
Approx. 3,700 lbs (1678 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 2,400 lbs (1089 kg) with optional towing package
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
4 out of 5 stars (for the 2009-2011 models)
IIHS Front Crash Test:
Good (for the 2009-2011 models)
IIHS Side Crash Test:
Good (for the 2009-2011 models)
IIHS Rear Crash Protection:
Good (for the 2009-2011 models)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Brake Assist:
Standard Brake Assist (BA)
Electronic Brake Force Distribution:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (front and rear)
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seat belts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System Options:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming (on select trims/packages)
Display Screens:
Central multi-function display for trip computer, fuel economy, climate control, and audio information. Optional navigation system with larger touchscreen.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Rearview Camera:
Optional rearview camera integrated into display.
Keyless Entry Start:
Optional keyless entry and push-button start system.
Usb Ports:
Optional USB input for audio devices.
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming on higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe driving conditions) / Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal driving conditions) - check owner's manual for specifics.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (severe) / Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (normal)
Spark Plug Replacement 2.5I:
Every 60,000 miles (platinum or iridium tipped)
Engine Coolant Replacement:
Initial change at 30,000 miles/24 months, then every 30,000 miles/24 months thereafter (Subaru Super Coolant)
Engine Oil Type 2.5I:
SAE 0W-20 (preferred) or SAE 5W-30 (API SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM, SN)
Engine Oil Type 3.6R:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM, SN)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5I:
Approx. 4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity 3.6R:
Approx. 6.9 US quarts (6.5 Liters) with filter change
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent
Head Gasket Leaks:
Less common in the EJ253 (compared to earlier EJ series), but still a potential concern for aging vehicles. Early detection is key.
Oxygen Sensor Failure:
Common on many vehicles of this era; can affect fuel economy and emissions.
Cv Axle Boots:
Tearing of CV joint boots can lead to joint failure if not addressed promptly.
Catalytic Converter Issues:
Can become clogged or fail over time, impacting performance and emissions.
Suspension Components:
Wear and tear on bushings, ball joints, and struts are common with mileage.
Subaru Heritage:
Founded in 1953, Subaru is the automotive division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries). Known for its commitment to All-Wheel Drive technology and boxer engines.
Outback Origin:
The Outback was originally a trim level of the Subaru Legacy station wagon, introduced in 1995. Its success led to it becoming a distinct model line.
Fifth Generation Transition:
The 2009 model year marked the beginning of the Fifth Generation Subaru Legacy and the independent Subaru Outback model. This generation saw a significant redesign, including a larger platform and updated styling.
Production Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan
Production Period Fifth Gen:
2009-2014